Four members of Wexford Sub Aqua Club were airlifted from the sea off Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, at the weekend after their craft capsized, writes Brendan Furlong.
The four divers had left Kilmore Quay at about 7.30pm on Friday, but an alarm was raised by members of the club when the rigid inflatable boat had not returned to the marina as expected at 10.30pm. While attempting to get back to Kilmore Quay, the boat overturned after suffering structural failure. All four divers were wearing diving suits which protected them from the elements.
The Kilmore Quay lifeboat headed for the wreck Lismore, where the divers were reported to be diving. An air-and-sea rescue continued through the night before the divers were spotted at 5.30am on Saturday close to shore. They were taken by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter based in Waterford to Waterford Regional Hospital.The four were medically assessed and found not to be in danger. Their boat was towed to shore by Kilmore Quay lifeboat.